What is Coco Peat?

August 11th, 2020

Coco Peat is the non-fibrous, spongy, light weight, corky material that holds together the coir fibre in coconut husk. It was in early 90’s that the horticultural use of coco peat was discovered and the material demand has been in the rise ever since. Globally known by the name Coco Peat, they are also known as Coco Coir in the US and Coir Pith in the Middle-East. It is a 100% organic, natural and bio-degradable substance which was the by-product of Coconut Fibre Extraction process, but not any more. It is now the co-product of coconut fibre extraction process.

Applications of Coco Peat

Cocopeat in Horticulture

As a substrate or growing medium in Greenhouses
As an amendment to improve the soil texture, soil aeration and moisture retention capacity
Coco Peat, being sustainable and eco-friendly, is used as a substitute to Peat Moss as Peat Moss harvesting is found to be contributing to Global Warming
Composted Coco Peat is used as an Organic Manure
As an ingredient in potting soil to improve the moisture retention capacity and buffering capacity of the potting soil
In nurseries for seed germinations and growing seedlings as they can retain moisture and maintain an ideal condition for seed germination
Coco peat, being light weight and being able to retain moisture, are used by hobby growers as substrate in roof gardening

Industrial Applications of Cocopeat

Coco Peat, having a spongy structure, is used as an oil absorbant
As an insulator in the production of Fuse Plugs and similar applications
In manufacturing of Particle Boards
Used in extraction of natural dyes

Cocopeat for Animal Bedding and Mulching

Coco Peat along with Coco Chips are widely used as Animal Bedding for Horse Stables
Coco Chips finds application in Animal Bedding for Exotic Pets like Lizards, Spiders, Frogs and Snakes
Coco Chips is used as a mulch in Landscaping

What makes Coco Peat Ideal for Horticulture Purpose?

High moisture retention capacity, capable of retaining upto 800% of moisture (by its dry weight)
High cation exchange capacity varying from 20 to 30 meq/100g
Improves soil aeration, allowing roots to breath
Improves soil buffering capacity as coco peat is mostly tolerant to pH variations
Thanks to its spongy nature, coco peat can store and release nutrients to the plants on demand
Coco peat can be reused for upto 5 years after which it can be used for composting or added directly into the soil
Most importantly coco peat is from a 100% natural and replenish-able source – the coconut husk – which makes it the best choice as an alternative to peat moss